ICF Mentor Coaching
Complete a structured mentor coaching engagement built around observed coaching, credential-level feedback, and documented development over at least three months. Packages are designed for ACC renewal, PCC, and MCC candidates.
With Cherie Silas & Alex Kudinov – both MCC, MCS-ACC, MCS-PCC & MCS-MCC
Which path are you on?
Select the package that matches your credential goal
Renewing Your ACC?
You already have your ACC credential and need mentor coaching for renewal. ICF requires 10 countable hours, including at least 3 individual hours, completed over at least three months.
Earning Your PCC?
You’ve completed coach training elsewhere and need mentor coaching to apply for your PCC credential. The engagement includes credential-level observation, feedback, and progress documentation. Note: Professional Coach Program students get mentor coaching included.
Going for MCC?
You’re an experienced coach ready for the highest ICF credential. Premium 1-on-1 mentoring exclusively with our MCC faculty.
ACC and PCC packages include 11 live hours. ICF counts 10 of them: 7 group hours plus 3 individual hours. The eighth group hour is included development time. Already in a Tandem program? Your mentor coaching may be included.
Upcoming Group Sessions
Group mentor coaching runs in 4-week cohorts throughout the year
Next Group Mentor Coaching Starts October 6, 2026
Enroll once, then attend the available cohort that works for your schedule. All times Eastern (ET).
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
3 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
4 weekly sessions (2 hrs each)
These dates only cover part of your hours – here’s the rest
Each ACC and PCC package has two parts. The group sessions – 8 hours, four 2-hour sessions – run on the cohort dates listed above. The individual sessions – 3 hours, three 60-minute sessions – are scheduled with your assigned mentor coach across the full engagement.
ICF counts a maximum of 7 group hours, so 10 of the 11 live hours are documented toward your credential requirement: 7 group plus 3 individual. The eighth group hour is included development time.
Your engagement is planned across the required three months
ICF requires mentor coaching to span a minimum of three months from the first eligible session to the final one. Your mentor coaching plan places the three individual observations across that period so you have time to practice, reflect, and bring new coaching evidence to the next session.
Each individual observation uses a different live or recorded coaching session. Your final session is scheduled only after the minimum three-month span has been reached.
Can I pay in installments, or have my employer pay?
Yes to both. Every package offers a 3-payment plan at checkout – ACC Renewal $1,700 in full or 3 × $569 ($1,707 total), PCC $1,999 in full or 3 × $669 ($2,007 total), MCC $3,999 in full or 3 × $1,333.
If your organization is paying, we work with whatever their process needs: invoices issued before you enroll, purchase orders, Government Purchase Cards and federal forms, and phased invoicing if your benefit has a cap. Send paperwork to info@tandemcoach.co.
Package Details
Everything you need to know about each mentor coaching package
ACC Renewal Mentoring - $1,700
What You Get
- 8 hours of group mentor coaching (4 sessions × 2 hours)
- 3 hours of individual mentor coaching (3 sessions × 1 hour)
- Three observations using different live or recorded coaching sessions
- Evidence-based feedback against the ACC Minimum Skills Requirements
- Completion documentation and required ICF forms for your pathway
ICF Compliance
You receive 11 live hours over at least three months. ICF counts 10 hours: the maximum 7 group hours plus all 3 individual hours. The additional group hour is included for development and is not reported as an eleventh ICF credentialing hour.
Who This Is For
- ACC credential holders approaching renewal
- Coaches who want to refresh their skills while meeting requirements
- Those who want both group learning and personalized attention
PCC Credential Mentoring - $1,999
What You Get
- 8 hours of group mentor coaching
- 3 hours of individual mentor coaching (3 sessions × 1 hour)
- Three observations using different live or recorded coaching sessions
- Evidence-based feedback against the PCC Minimum Skills Requirements
- Completion documentation and required ICF forms for your pathway
ICF Compliance
You receive 11 live hours over at least three months. ICF counts 10 hours: the maximum 7 group hours plus all 3 individual hours. The additional group hour is included for development and is not reported as an eleventh ICF credentialing hour.
Who This Is For
- Coaches pursuing initial PCC credential via the Systems Coach bridge or portfolio path
- Those who completed training elsewhere and need standalone mentoring
- Coaches who want both group learning and personalized attention
Note: Tandem’s Professional Coach Program and Systems Coach Program include mentor coaching - no separate purchase needed.
MCC Credential Mentoring - $3,999
What You Get
- 10 hours of individual mentor coaching
- All sessions 1-on-1 with an MCS-MCC mentor
- Flexible scheduling based on your availability
- At least three observations of different live or recorded coaching sessions
- Evidence-based feedback against the MCC Minimum Skills Requirements
- Completion documentation and required ICF forms for your pathway
ICF Compliance
ICF requires 10 mentor coaching hours over at least three months, including at least 3 individual hours. This package delivers all 10 hours individually for sustained observation, feedback, and development. Engagements governed by the 2027 rules are assigned to an MCS-MCC mentor.
Who This Is For
- Experienced coaches pursuing MCC credential
- Those who want intensive, personalized development
- Coaches who prefer 1-on-1 attention over group settings
How Your Development Is Structured
Contract & Plan
Agree on your target credential level, confidentiality, responsibilities, development goals, and measures of progress.
Observe & Reflect
Bring a different live or recorded client coaching session to each individual observation and reflect on what you notice first.
Feedback & Practice
Receive evidence-based feedback against the Core Competencies and credential-level skills, then practice before the next cycle.
Review & Document
Complete a cumulative review of strengths, development areas, and readiness, with the documentation required for your pathway.
Credential-Level Mentor Coaching
MCC coaching depth with MCS specialization at every credential level
Cherie Silas, MCC, MCS
Co-Founder & Principal
Cherie has mentored hundreds of coaches through their ICF credentialing journey. She holds the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization at all three levels and leads credential-level observation, formative feedback, and readiness documentation.
Alex Kudinov, MCC, MCS
Co-Founder & Principal
Alex combines MCC-level coaching mastery with the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization at all three levels and extensive work in organizational settings. His mentor coaching supports evidence-based observation, developmental feedback, and credential-level growth.
MCC and MCS Mean Different Things
MCC recognizes coaching mastery. MCS recognizes the specialized practice of observing coaching, providing developmental feedback, and documenting progress at a specific credential level. Cherie and Alex each hold MCS-ACC, MCS-PCC, and MCS-MCC, so every package can be delivered at the specialization level the credential pathway requires.
What a Credential-Ready Engagement Requires
The hour rules remain. The MCS adds level-qualified mentor coaches, formative observation, and clearer documentation.
Earning Your First Credential
ACC, PCC, or MCC via Level 1/2/3 or Portfolio Path
Over a minimum of 3 months
Renewing Your ACC
For existing ACC credential holders
Over a minimum of 3 months
PCC and MCC Renewals: Do not require mentor coaching. However, up to 10 hours of mentor coaching can count toward your 40 CCE credits.
ACC Renewal Requirements (Full Details)
From ICF Credential Renewal Guide (rev. 2025.11.03):
For ACC recertification, the following is required:
- At least 40 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits in 3 years
- Of the 40 CCE credits:
- At least 24 must be in Core Competencies
- At least 3 must be in coaching ethics
- 10 hours of Mentor Coaching with an eligible mentor coach over minimum 3 months
The 10 hours of mentor coaching count toward the 24 Core Competency CCEs.
Important: ACC renewal requires the same group/individual split as initial credentialing: at least 3 hours must be individual mentor coaching.
Mentor qualification: Through December 31, 2026, the existing credential-level eligibility rules apply. Beginning January 1, 2027, new hours must be delivered by an MCS holder qualified for the target level. Tandem assigns 2027-governed engagements accordingly.
Initial ACC/PCC/MCC Requirements
For initial credentialing at any level, ICF requires:
- 10 hours total mentor coaching
- Maximum 7 hours may be group
- Minimum 3 hours must be individual (1-on-1)
- Completed over at least 3 months
- Beginning January 1, 2027, delivered by a mentor coach holding MCS at the required level
This applies to:
- ACC via Level 1 Path or Portfolio Path
- PCC via Level 2 Path or Portfolio Path
- MCC via Level 3 Path or Portfolio Path
Note: If you’re enrolled in a Tandem ACC, Systems Coach (PCC bridge), or Professional Coach program, mentor coaching is already included in your program.
PCC and MCC Renewal
PCC and MCC renewals do not require mentor coaching.
However, you can use mentor coaching toward your CCE requirements:
- Up to 10 hours of mentor coaching (giving or receiving) counts toward the 40 CCE credits
- Counts as Core Competency credits
Beginning January 1, 2027, a PCC or MCC renewal candidate who chooses to use mentor coaching for professional development must also work with a qualified MCS holder.
What Counts as Mentor Coaching?
ICF defines mentor coaching as a collaborative learning process in which a coach receives feedback based on observed or recorded sessions to develop a unique coaching style and coaching skills aligned with the ICF Core Competencies.
For a fuller primer on the practice itself, see our guide to what ICF mentor coaching involves.
Key elements:
- Uses live or recorded sessions with real coaching clients
- Includes evidence-based observation, client reflection, and feedback at the target credential level
- Tracks strengths and development areas across multiple sessions rather than relying on one snapshot
- Can be group or individual format
- Must span at least 3 months
What doesn’t count:
- General coaching skills training (that’s CCE, not mentor coaching)
- Coaching supervision (separate category)
- Peer coaching without a credentialed mentor
Timeline Requirements
ICF requires mentor coaching to occur over a minimum of 3 months.
Example: If your first session is March 14, your last session must be June 14 or later.
This applies to both:
- Initial credentialing (ACC, PCC, MCC)
- ACC renewal
Your mentor coaching agreement and development plan include this timeline. ACC and PCC individual observations are scheduled at the beginning, during, and at the end of the learning cycle so you have time to apply feedback with real clients.
Documentation for ICF Application
When you complete mentor coaching with Tandem, you’ll receive:
- Completion documentation with mentor name, credentials, engagement dates, and countable hours
- A Session Observation Form for each qualifying 1-on-1 observation when required by your pathway
- A cumulative Competency Review Form when required by your pathway
- Documented strengths, development areas, and client reflections
The exact submission set depends on your credential level, application path, and submission date. We document the engagement against the rules that apply to your pathway.
Sources: ICF Mentor Coach Specialization announcement and ICF Mentor Coaching Handbook. ICF rules can change; we confirm the applicable pathway at the start of your engagement.
What Coaches Say About Our Mentor Coaching
The most valuable aspect of the course was the mentoring sessions. It was great to be amongst like-minded professionals going through the same issues. I also really appreciated how the coaches let everyone provide their feedback before they answered the questions. Thank you Cherie and Alex for guiding and helping throughout the process.
I learned so much from Cherie through the years that basically it became the core of my coaching style. Tandem Coaching provided me with such a solid foundation that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
From a first introduction to what coaching is up to a journey towards coaching mastery, Tandem Coaching, with Cherie and Alex, is truly the right team to bring motivated individuals to their next level. Team leads, servant leaders, scrum masters, product owners, consultants, and facilitators all benefit from this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between group and individual mentor coaching?
Group mentor coaching: Learn alongside other coaches, observe peer coaching demonstrations, and receive feedback in a collaborative setting. Great for exposure to diverse coaching styles and peer learning.
Individual mentor coaching: 1-on-1 attention with your MCC mentor. Personalized feedback on your specific coaching, flexible scheduling, and deeper exploration of your development areas.
ICF allows both formats to count, but no more than 7 of the required 10 hours may be group. Individual sessions are also where the mentor coach observes your coaching evidence and documents credential-level development.
What is the Mentor Coach Specialization, and why does it matter?
The ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) recognizes the distinct skills required to observe coaching, conduct formative appraisal, provide evidence-based feedback, and support development over time. It is separate from a coach’s ACC, PCC, or MCC credential.
Beginning January 1, 2027, new mentor coaching for ICF credential applicants and ACC renewals must be delivered by an MCS holder qualified at the required level. Cherie Silas and Alex Kudinov each hold MCS-ACC, MCS-PCC, and MCS-MCC.
How much does ICF mentor coaching cost?
Cost depends on the credential level and session format. Packages range from $1,700 for ACC renewal to $1,999 for PCC and $3,999 for MCC when paid in full. Every package can also be paid in 3 monthly installments: ACC 3 × $569 ($1,707 total), PCC 3 × $669 ($2,007 total), MCC 3 × $1,333 ($3,999 total).
ACC and PCC packages provide 11 live hours: 8 group plus 3 individual. Because ICF counts at most 7 group hours, your credential documentation reports 10 countable hours, while the additional group hour remains included development time. MCC includes 10 individual hours.
Is mentor coaching the same as coaching supervision?
No. ICF treats mentor coaching and coaching supervision as separate categories.
Mentor coaching gives you feedback on your coaching against the ICF Core Competencies to earn or renew a credential. It is competency- and evaluation-focused, and it is what ICF requires for credentialing.
Coaching supervision is ongoing reflective practice on your work as a coach: your cases, ethics, and development. It is valuable, but it does not satisfy the ICF mentor coaching requirement. If your goal is a credential or renewal, mentor coaching is what you need.
Do I need individual mentor coaching for ACC renewal?
Yes. ICF requires 10 hours of mentor coaching for ACC renewal, with at least 3 hours delivered as individual (1-on-1) sessions.
Our ACC Renewal package includes 8 group hours and 3 individual hours. ICF counts 7 of the group hours plus all 3 individual hours, for the required 10 countable hours.
I already have some mentor coaching hours. Can I buy just what I need?
Our packages are designed to meet complete ICF requirements. We don’t currently offer partial-hour packages.
If you have a unique situation with partial hours from another provider, contact us to discuss your options.
How are sessions scheduled?
Group sessions: Run on a set schedule. After enrollment, you’ll see the calendar in the learning community and can add sessions to your personal calendar.
Individual sessions: ACC and PCC packages use three 60-minute observations scheduled across the engagement with the assigned credential-level mentor. Each observation uses a different live or recorded coaching session.
All sessions are live via Zoom - no travel required.
Will I receive documentation for my ICF application?
Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive documentation that includes:
- Your name
- Mentor coach name and credentials
- Start and end dates of your mentor coaching
- Total hours completed
- Session Observation Forms and a cumulative Competency Review Form when your pathway requires them
The exact submission set depends on your credential level, application path, and submission date. We document against the rules that apply to your engagement.
Who are the mentor coaches?
Our mentor coaching faculty includes:
- Cherie Silas, MCC, MCS-ACC, MCS-PCC, MCS-MCC - Master Certified Coach and all-level Specialized Mentor Coach
- Alex Kudinov, MCC, MCS-ACC, MCS-PCC, MCS-MCC - Master Certified Coach, all-level Specialized Mentor Coach, and enterprise coaching leader
Engagements governed by the 2027 rules are assigned only to a mentor holding the MCS level required for the candidate’s target credential.
What if I’m enrolled in a Tandem ACC or PCC program?
Tandem’s ICF certification programs, including ACC, Systems Coach (the PCC bridge), and Professional Coach, already include mentor coaching as part of the program.
These standalone packages are designed for coaches who:
- Trained at another school and need mentor coaching separately
- Are renewing their ACC credential
- Are pursuing MCC and need premium 1-on-1 mentoring
If you’re a current Tandem program student, check with us before purchasing - you may already have what you need.
How long does the mentor coaching take to complete?
ICF requires mentor coaching to span a minimum of 3 months.
Example: If your first session is March 14, your last session must be June 14 or later.
Your engagement plan spaces the three ACC/PCC individual observations across the minimum timeline, with time between sessions to apply feedback with real clients. The final session is not scheduled before the three-month minimum has been reached.
Ready to Complete Your Mentor Coaching?
Choose the package that matches your credential path and enroll today.
Questions? Contact us and we’ll help you find the right package.